When the victorious Communist forces swept into Saigon in 1975, the newly reunified country of Vietnam disappeared into isolation. It remained there for years until 1989 when it flung open its borders encouraging tourism and foreign investment. Since then the country has developed in ways which were totally unexpected. Today, the country is open to see by visitors from every country. What they see is both surprising and reassuring. Vietnam is now a very popular tourism destination that is sure fascinate every visitor.
Capital: Hanoi
Population: 75, 010, 600
Area: 219, 800 square miles
Language: Vietnamese
Time: +11 hours from New York
Electricity: 220 volts AC / 50 Hz. In some remote areas and in very old buildings you will find 110 volts AC at 50 Hz.
Geography: Vietnam dominates the coastline of the Indochinese Peninsula stretching almost 1200 miles from the border with China to the border with Cambodia (Khmer). Most of the country is made up of hills or mountains with a quarter given to lowlands which is in forest or agriculture. The main rivers run through the Red River Delta and the Mekong Delta. These areas are very good for agriculture.
International Airports
Hanoi - Hanoi Airport (HAN) - The airport is 11 miles from the city. Taxis and busses are available. Transit time is about 25 minutes.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (SGN) - The airport is 8 miles from the city and can be reached by taxi or busses in about 30 minutes
Tipping: Tipping in the north is not expected. In the south tipping should d be done. Service charges are not in the bill. 5-10% is sufficient.
Shopping: Shops are open at various time with many opening as early as 8am and close as late as 7 pm. Some shops close at lunch for a little over an hour. Pottery, ceramics, wicker baskets, jade engravings, jewelry, silks and sculpture are among some of the best things to purchase. If you buy antiques be mindful that you must get clearance from the government to export the item. Bargaining is done but prices are fairly set.
Food and Drink: Vietnamese cuisine is mostly what you get here. McDonald's has not made it here but neither have any other restaurants except in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) where a limited number of international restaurants have sprung up over the last few years.
Social: Vietnamese speak very little English and so you contact will be limited. Of those who do you will find are friendly and will be happy to talk. There are differing perspectives on the war based on where you were and what you were doing. Do not be surprised to encounter those who maimed or disabled by the conflict many were. Those who supported the Viet Cong will not take offense at you but will often engage you in a positive way if possible. At religious sites in Vietnam be sure to dress modestly and be prepared to remove your shoes. Modest dress in the countryside is strongly recommended as you may be subject to ridicule from the locals - this also includes shorts for both men and women.
Business: If you are doing business in Vietnam it is essential that you have a business visa. It does not involve any more complication than a tourist visa and allows you to do much more. Business suits should be conservative and be made of material that will not turn into an oven in the heat.
Money and Banks
Banking: Banks have very independent hours ranging from opening times of 7:30 in the morning to 10 am and closing from 12:30 noon to 4pm.
Currency: Dong
Money Exchange: US$ are very good here when exchanging in to Dong particularly the new 100 denomination. Have available many US$ 1 bills for tips and local taxi fares. Banks will change travelers checks but hotels and airlines will not accept them. Lost travelers checks are not replaceable in Vietnam!
Credit cards: Master Card and Visa are accepted in many places. American Express is just beginning to be accepted. | 